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Here are some random observations based on recent news stories, letters and opinion pieces.

■ Angela Corey. The state attorney has stated that any violent young offender should be sentenced to jail.

This means those children will be locked up with other violent offenders and will not learn different non-violent strategies for anger management and goal achievement. So much for rehabilitation.

■ Property tax rate differentials. A recent “ranter” commented that he should not have to pay high taxes because he no longer has children in school. Did he complain about paying low taxes when his children were in school?

■ Benghazi. This issue will not go away. Do the math: 4,500 U.S. deaths in Iraq and 2,300 U.S. deaths in Afghanistan. Four U.S. deaths in Benghazi.

■ Obamacare. Health care is very expensive. I have yet to read how the critics will address the core question: Why should the ability of individuals or families to afford health insurance coverage depend not just on whether they hold a good job but on whether they hold a good job with an employer who is willing and able to make a sizeable contribution toward that coverage?

■ Downtown development. I am reminded of the old marketing joke. A pet food company had a meeting of all sales representatives to learn why the new dog food was not selling.

After much discussion, a quiet voice from the back of the room provided the critical answer: The dogs don’t like it. Are we sure the Jacksonville citizens will like it?

■ George Zimmerman. He is no longer newsworthy. So let’s put a block on any story about him and not print it.

■ Tim Tebow. Everyone shut up about his playing quarterback and let him analyze football on ESPN!

David J. Bahn, Jacksonville

MARINES’ STANDARDS

Keep them high

The Marines may change the minimum fitness requirements for women.

Apparently the concern is that 55 percent of women can’t do three pull-ups. The women or men who fail this requirement should train harder.

Why? Because we are preparing these men and women for combat.

Both men and women deserve to have the strongest among them.

I know plenty of women who could meet this requirement.

Setting the bar low doesn’t help anyone; all it does is spare the feelings of a few.

Jaclyn Myers, St. Johns County

JACKSONVILLE’S IDENTITY

A few suggestions

For the last 25 years or longer, Jacksonville has been searching for its identity.

We have a beautiful fountain, museum, hotels and restaurants on the Southbank Riverwalk as well as a wonderful view of the historic St. Johns River.

We have lights on our bridges and talk of lighting up more buildings downtown.

The Jacksonville Landing is poised to become the new “Gateway to the River.”

Let’s extend the Northbank Riverwalk from Five Points to the Shipyards, linking Riverside to downtown.

Let’s thank all of our veterans by building a naval historical museum with piers to display the USS Charles F. Adams as well as other ships and tall boats.

Relocate Metro Park to the Equestrian Center, extend the Skyway to EverBank Field and build the 1,000-foot tall Seaglass Tower with restaurants and an observation deck.

These would attract tourists.

Imagine what this would be like to live in that Jacksonville, one of the greatest and most recognizable cities in the world.

Doug Evans, Middleburg

WELFARE RECIPIENTS

Drug testing is appropriate

Since a federal judge has ruled that the 2011 law requiring welfare recipients to be tested for drug use is unconstitutional, it is my sincere hope that the state of Florida will appeal that ruling.

If the recipients have nothing to hide, then they have nothing to fear.

During the four months when the drug tests were being done, 2.6 percent tested positive for illegal drug use. Although that percentage might appear small to some, that’s 2.6 percent too many who are using welfare benefits for something other than their intended use.

Children suffer as well.

When individuals invest money, they want to invest wisely, and the same should apply to the federal government!

Becky Calhoun, Jacksonville

PALESTINE

Find a solution

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has its roots in the British policy since World War I and during its mandate in Palestine until the end of World War II. The U.S. government policy has been involved, too, since World War II.

The Palestinians have experienced a severe injustice that continues to this day. This problem has become a major contributing factor to most of the problems that have been plaguing the Middle East since World War II.

A U.S. government policy that is governed by a real concern for justice could help in arriving at a solution finally and would avoid making this conflict more complicated and much more destructive.

This would help in creating a more peaceful condition in the Middle East and would also be beneficial to the U.S. and the world in general.

An informed American public that is effective in influencing U.S. government policies would also help greatly.

A very relevant article and a book everyone should read: "False Justice" by Jim Petro, former prosecutor attorney general of Ohio who became a defense attorney and advocate for justice for the many innocent people convicted.

Angela Cory has no experience with children. What secret knowledge makes her an authority in teen brain development. It is a shame that an opportunity to improve the lives of at risk kids is lost with this state attorney. Charging kids as adults solves nothing, costs more, and creates a revolving door of misery.

Civil citations and smart justice are the new way proven by many already. Time to end the 19th century treatment of kids in Jacksonville.